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Mid-Century Modern Designer Furniture feels great, looks great, and most importantly, stays great. Only one catch: the price tag definitely isn’t great. In fact, it’s far from it. Most pieces end up in bidding houses, where prices are driven to incredible amounts. Put simply, Mid-Century Designer Furniture is inaccessible (unless you are very wealthy).
Luckily, fellow furniture enthusiasts at Interior Icons are hard at work creating a solution. By eliminating the need for middlemen and producing their products in custom factories, Interior Icons offers authentic Mid-Century Modern furniture at a fraction of the price. Even better, they offer delivery directly to your home without compromising on quality or authenticity. Check out their full catalogue!
In this article, we’ve curated a list of the best Mid-Century Modern furniture pieces to help you brush up your home decor!
What is Mid-Century Modern Furniture?
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Mid-Century Modern is a design movement that became popular in the decades following World War II. Inspired by the work of European immigrants, Mid-Century Modern design is minimalist and values functionality over all else. Famous examples include the Palacio da Alvorada (the Brazilian White White) and the storied MIT Chapel. Naturally, the Mid-Century Modern movement made its way into furniture design, giving us masterpieces such as the lounge and egg chairs.
Why are Mid-Century Modern Furniture Pieces so Expensive?
Many Mid-Century Modern furniture pieces were hand-crafted by designers decades ago. They are heavily coveted by galleries and wealthy collectors who are willing to pay extreme amounts of money simply for their viewing pleasure. New-age producers such as Interior Icons help resolve this scarcity problem, providing affordable alternatives with similar functionality.
Our Picks For the Best Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Best Chair – Flynn Molded Dining Chair
The Flynn Molded Dining Chair is an almost perfect example of Mid-Century Modern design philosophy. It packs a minimalist design and ergonomic shape into a sleek, aesthetically pleasing package. Simplicity trumps ornate decor as form meets function in this beautiful piece of furniture design history. Each Flynn chair is created by hand using the now perfected “moulded plywood” technique that once revolutionized the industry.
Best Ceiling Lighting – Mouille Ceiling
Created by French designer Serge Mouille in the 1950s, the Mouille Ceiling lamp has come a long way. The original was constructed using hardwearing iron, but the designers at Interior Icons have taken the liberty of upgrading to a sleek stainless steel build. Similarly, the original’s rotating shades have been improved using modern techniques that allow 360 degree rotation and horizontal swivelling. We’ve selected a version of this product with 3 arms, but wall mounted (1 arm) and 6-arm variations are also available.
Best Table/Floor Lighting – Arco Lamp
Inspired by Mid-Century Italian designs, the Arco Lamp is the most unique floor lighting we’ve ever seen. A slender arc reminiscent of both a street light and a fancy shower head – we love it. This stunning design (over 2 meters tall) is supported by a sturdy marble base and needs no ceiling suspension. Every Arco Lamp is crafted with longevity and versatility in mind and fits effortlessly into most minimalist design schemes.
Best Dining Table – Tulip Table
Created by Finnish-American designer Eero Saarinen, the Tulip Table is one of the most iconic furniture pieces of Mid-Century Modern era. Bold, sophisticated, and free from unwieldy legs, this design is perfect both for stylish dining and recreational use. The Tulip Table has a glossy lacquer-based finish and pairs perfectly with the Flynn Molded Dining Chair or the specially crafted Tulip Chair.
Best Coffee Table – Platner Coffee Table
Named after renowned furniture, textile, and lighting guru Warren Platner, the Platner Coffee Table is our pick to help you liven up your interior design. Each piece is carefully crafted by hand using the original recipe of a glass tabletop supported by steel rods. The Platner Coffee Table is as functional as it is beautiful and is a great addition to almost every living room.
Best Sofa – Knoll Style Sofa
The Knoll Style Sofa is named after American designer Florence Knoll, who brought the principles of Mid-Century Modern design into the corporate space. This three-seater radiates class and unquestionably fulfils the goal intended by its creator. The Knoll Style Sofa is constructured from a polished stainless steel base and premium Danish cashmere wool. Perfect for seating in any office or home.
Our Personal Favorite – Butterfly
Inspired by Sori Yanagi, the Bent Butterfly is a unique take on the classic stool. Named after its distinct shape, the Butterfly is both quiet and loud at the same time – a subtle yet prominent addition to your living space. This piece is crafted from a base of walnut plywood and held together effortlessly with sturdy stainless steel. Despite its unconventional nature, the Butterfly is one of Interior Icons’ most popular designs. Availability is limited!